Lucas Roosendaal graduated from UWA in 2022 with a law degree, a unique real-world internship experience, and a career already underway.
In the second year of his Juris Doctor degree, Lucas undertook an internship with Legal Aid WA with a focus on supporting clients with disabilities, through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship.
“The internship not only taught me technical legal skills but allowed me to build professional relationships with incredible lawyers. The experience fast-tracked my professional development, and I was fortunate to be offered a position as an Associate at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal immediately after my internship.”
After graduating he began working with a national commercial law firm, before returning to Legal Aid to work with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Appeals Team, work which aligns strongly with his personal values.
“My passion for disability advocacy is informed by my family background. My early ambitions to study law came from a desire to help people who are vulnerable or in need of specific supports, particularly those living with disabilities and their families. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to harmonise this passion with my professional interest in public law litigation,” Lucas said.
“Legal Aid is a great environment to develop skills as a junior practitioner through work that is challenging, personally fulfilling, and meaningful to the community. In my early career I developed an interest in public law litigation and ‘Administrative Law’ – which focusses on challenging government decision-making.
“Now, as a Solicitor for Legal Aid WA, I act for people living with disabilities – helping clients access their review rights, with respect to the NDIS decisions which profoundly impact their lives. The work is exciting, interesting, and incredibly rewarding.”
Reflecting on the journey from his study and internship and through his early career, Lucas said he would encourage students to approach their futures with an open mind and an enthusiasm for new experiences.
“Don’t plan your career too rigidly. An internship can expose you to people, places, and ideas that you likely wouldn’t otherwise encounter. It may not be apparent at the time – but you will be surprised how much it benefits you – professionally, intellectually, and personally.”